Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist Per Kirkeby. It dates from 1996 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1996, this untitled work by Danish artist Per Kirkeby is an oil painting on canvas that belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The composition is non‑representational, dominated by a luminous yellow field punctuated by darker, irregular forms that suggest fissures or shadows within the surface.
Technique & Style
Kirkeby applied the oil paint in a heavily textured manner, building up thick layers that give the surface a palpable relief. The brushwork is vigorous and uneven, producing a rough, impasto finish that emphasizes the materiality of the paint. The juxtaposition of bright and muted tones creates a dynamic visual tension.
Subject & Meaning
While the painting lacks a recognizable narrative, its abstract language invites contemplation of surface and depth. The interplay of light‑filled expanses with fragmented dark shapes can be read as an exploration of natural forces such as light breaking through clouds or geological cracks, reflecting Kirkeby’s ongoing interest in landscape and terrain.
History & Provenance
Since its completion, the canvas has been part of the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings, where it is displayed among other post‑war abstract works. The acquisition reflects MoMA’s commitment to representing significant European abstract painters of the late twentieth century, and the piece remains a reference point for Kirkeby’s mature period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Per Kirkeby was a Danish painter, poet, film maker and sculptor. His works have been exhibited worldwide and are represented in many important public collections, including the Tate, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum…
